It’s been a busy week and as I’ve been shopping for groceries I’ve noticed food prices are definitely increasing, and that was before the latest petrol hike. From now on ladies, shopping will have to be planned, no more rushing backwards and forwards, if you’ve forgotten something.
For retired or stay at home ladies, maybe organise a trip to a shopping centre with a few friends, travelling in one car and sharing the petrol and parking costs. If there are four of you, each could take a turn once a month and that will mean you still get to the shops weekly! If you don’t like shopping with someone, all go your own way when you arrive and arrange to meet for coffee or lunch. Not only then will it be a trip to the shops but also an enjoyable social occasion. Could be fun!
Keeping fit
Jo Palmer, who has been running a very successful fitness class for over 50’s, is branching out and will now have another class at Rietvlei Farm every Tuesday at 09:30. “We have a wonderful class and everyone who attends really enjoy keeping fit,” said Jo. If you are interested, phone 083 287 4702.
Focus on local
As from this week I’m beginning a “new” section in my column – Focus on local. It will either be a twice monthly inclusion or every week. My first visit was to Italian Cheese Distributors in Mulbarton.
You’ll find Italian Cheese Distributors in the Broads Shopping Centre, on the corner of Hythe and The Broads in Mulbarton. The shop has been here for 15 years and is owned by Linda and Angelo Di Blasio.
Chatting to Linda about their business was interesting and I realised just what a thriving shop it has become since the doors opened. “We have lots of regular customers who we are very grateful to for all their support and we also supply shops and restaurants. I’m a great believer in tasting everything we sell, this way I know what we sell is good,” she said.
You’ll find a wide range of imported and local deli items, as well as Italian pastas, cheeses, cold meats, sausages, tinned and bottled items, imported coffees (beans or ground), biscuits and even a Lebanese line.
Italian Cheese Distributors also sells fresh free range eggs, fresh cream, pure honey, sundried tomatoes, pesto, olive tapenade, bread sticks, olive oils, biltong and wine.
Each day freshly baked scones, bagles, Italian bread and croissants are delivered and every Wednesday fresh Italian pizza bread, all bran and cheese muffins arrive. French and rye bread is available at weekends. “Due to popularity our fresh lines sell very quickly. Many of our regular customers shop here on a Saturday and are disappointed that some of our freshly baked goods have already been sold. If there is something in particular you want, try to pop in throughout the week when supplies may be more plentiful,” added Linda.
The shop also sells lasagne, pasta dishes, Italian sauces and a delicious selection of frozen lasagnes and pastas. For a real treat indulge in a Tiramisu.
When I popped in last Saturday I was greeted with a wonderful vibe. What was really nice was many of the customers were chatting to each other as they waited to be served. You can even enjoy a free cup of espresso coffee while you wait for an order to be made up. What a pleasure!
With friendly and helpful staff, an excellent selection of imported and local foods, extremely competitive prices, Italian Cheese Distributors is definitely worth a visit. Open Monday to Friday 08:30 to 17:00 and Saturday 08:30 to 13:00. Phone 011 432 3072.
More choice at other Woolworths’ stores
Some of the Woolworths stores in the South are sadly lacking in their variety of food. When I shop at Eastgate, Rosebank, Sandton and Bedfordview there’s so much more choice! You can’t use the excuse that the South’s food stores are smaller because the Bedfordview food store is also relatively small. The same goes for the clothing line, other stores offer so much more! Come on Woolworths, treat us Southerners to the same.
Well, that’s it for this week. Oh, and don’t forget to buy your loved one a little something for Valentine’s Day! Remember, it’s the thought that counts.
E-mail: juliem@caxton.co.za or phone 011 724 7000. Shop till you drop.
Julie
